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Dog Heartworm

What is Dog Heartworm?

Dog Heartworm is a disease common in canines throughout most of the United States. It is caused by a parasitic roundworm (nematode) that lives its adult life primarily in the heart and large vessels of the lungs.

The worms seriously impair the operation of the heart by prohibiting proper valve closure. In heavier infestations, the blood vessels become clogged by the worms. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

The Role of the Mosquito

A female mosquito takes a blood meal from a dog infected with the microscopic larval stage of heartworm called microfilariae. The microfilariae migrate to the mosquito's digestive tract and transform. Next, they break into the mosquitoes body cavity and migrate to the mouthparts.

As the mosquito takes her blood meal, the larvae are deposited onto the skin of the host animal. The worms burrow into the skin and lodge in the tissue for several months. Once the worms have increased in size they enter the bloodstream and eventually lodge in the chambers of the heart where they mature.

Signs and Symptoms

• increased fatigue
• shortness of breath
• frequent coughing
• exhaustion

In very severe cases dogs will experience jaundice, heart failure and death. See your veterinarian immediately if you suspect dog heartworm.

Treatment

Heartworm is sometimes treatable with very harsh chemicals that are designed to kill and slowly disintegrate the worms. If all the worms were killed at the same time the animal would suffocate from the tissues. Microfilariae still in the bloodstream are eliminated with another treatment. Treatment lasts between 4 to 6 months, includes isolation of the animal and is very expensive.

Remember: an infected dog can be a constant source of infection for heartworm free dogs.

Dog Heartworm Prevention

• Remove any containers that can hold water from the yard.
• Change animal's drinking water daily.
• Recycle any abandoned tires.
• Fill in ruts and low areas on property.
• Stock ornamental ponds with fish.
• Change water in birdbath every 2—3 days.
• Limit your dog's outside activity when mosquitoes are present.
• Eliminate mosquito habitat by eliminating standing water.
• A monthly heartworm prevention medicine is available through your veterinarian. Always follow your veterinarian's advice.
• A topical pesticide that is absorbed into the dog's skin can be used to deter mosquitoes, as well as fleas and ticks.

Heartworm tri-fold brochure to print and distribute.